Frederic Melton
Blue cheese is a type of cheese made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of edible mold. It is known for its strong smell and distinct flavor. Blue cheese can last for a long time if stored properly. When unopened, it can be stored in the freezer or refrigerator for up to 3 months. However, if you plan to use it within a month, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator to preserve its taste and texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator |
| Shelf life (frozen) | indefinitely |
| Appearance | fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots indicate spoilage |
| Smell | strong ammonia-like smell indicates spoilage |
| Taste | strong, perfumy, or medicinal flavor indicates spoilage |
| Texture | crumbly texture after being frozen |
| Temperature | the colder the temperature, the longer it stays fresh |
| Packaging | vacuum-sealed, aluminium foil, parchment paper, or loose zipper-lock bag |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese can last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator
Blue cheese is a type of cheese made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of edible mold. It is known for its strong smell and distinct flavor. Due to its active mold and relatively high moisture levels, blue cheese doesn't last as long as other types of cheese. When stored in the refrigerator, it can last 3-4 weeks. To extend its shelf life, you can store blue cheese in the freezer, which can last indefinitely, although freezing it may slightly alter its texture and appearance.
To keep your blue cheese fresh for as long as possible, make sure it is stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the bottom shelf or drawers. Additionally, ensure your refrigerator temperature isn't set above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also wrap blue cheese in a variety of materials, such as aluminum foil, parchment paper, or a loose zipper-lock bag, to help extend its shelf life.
It's important to note that blue cheese can go bad if it's not stored properly. Signs of spoilage include fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface, a strong ammonia-like smell, or a stale smell. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, so it's important to practice basic food safety and store blue cheese properly.
If you've eaten blue cheese that you suspect has spoiled and start to feel sick, it's recommended to consult a doctor. Properly storing blue cheese and regularly checking for any signs of spoilage will help ensure its longevity in your refrigerator.
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It can be frozen to extend its shelf life
Blue cheese is a pungent variety of cheese with a strong smell and distinct flavour. It is made using a type of mould called Penicillium, which is responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance. While blue cheese is known for its long shelf life, it can be frozen to extend its shelf life even further.
Freezing blue cheese can help to preserve it for an indefinite period. When stored in the refrigerator, blue cheese can last for three to four weeks. However, by freezing it, you can prevent spoilage and enjoy your cheese for much longer. Freezing blue cheese is a simple process that involves cutting the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrapping them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil, plastic freezer wrap, or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
It is important to note that freezing may slightly alter the texture and appearance of blue cheese. It may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour. Therefore, frozen blue cheese is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles, where it will still add a delightful flavour.
When determining whether to freeze your blue cheese, consider the intended use. Freezing is not recommended for blue cheese destined for an appetizer spread or cheese board as the change in texture and flavour may be undesirable. Softer cheeses, in general, are not ideal for freezing due to their higher moisture content, which can lead to more ice crystal formation and a more noticeable degradation of texture.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively extend the shelf life of your blue cheese and enjoy its unique flavour for a more extended period.
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Blue cheese can go bad if not stored properly
Blue cheese is a type of cheese made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of edible mold. Unlike other types of mold, the varieties of Penicillium used to produce blue cheese do not produce toxins and are safe to consume. However, blue cheese can still go bad if not stored properly.
When stored properly, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator. To keep your blue cheese fresh for as long as possible, make sure your refrigerator temperature isn't set above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The colder the blue cheese is, the longer it will stay fresh. If your refrigerator has drawers at the bottom, that's an ideal place to store blue cheese because they likely won't be opened every time you look in the fridge, so the temperature will remain stable.
You can also freeze blue cheese to extend its shelf life. Frozen blue cheese can last indefinitely, although freezing it may slightly alter its texture and appearance. If kept in the freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, it can last for up to six months for the best taste and texture.
To store blue cheese, wrap it in a variety of materials such as aluminum foil, parchment paper, or even a loose zipper-lock bag (not a vacuum-sealed bag). The mold will die and turn yellow-green if deprived of oxygen, so it's important to ensure that the cheese can breathe.
Signs that your blue cheese has gone bad include:
- Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots growing on the surface of the blue cheese.
- A strong odor similar to ammonia.
- Excess moisture in the bottom of the container.
- A soft, fuzzy coating of mold around the cheese.
Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, which causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. If you've eaten blue cheese that you suspect has spoiled and start to feel sick, it's a good idea to consult a doctor.
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It should be discarded if there are changes in appearance or smell
Blue cheese is a type of cheese made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of edible mould. It is known for its strong smell and distinct flavour. The mould in blue cheese is responsible for its taste, smell, and appearance.
Blue cheese should be discarded if there are any changes in its appearance or smell. This is because blue cheese can go bad, and consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning and increase exposure to harmful mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are compounds produced by certain types of mould that are toxic to humans. While the Penicillium mould used in blue cheese does not produce mycotoxins, other types of mould that may grow on spoiled blue cheese can.
Signs that blue cheese has gone bad include a strong ammonia-like smell, a stale smell, or the presence of fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface of the cheese. If you notice any of these signs, you should discard the blue cheese immediately.
To prevent blue cheese from spoiling, it is important to practice proper food safety and storage. Blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, preferably on the bottom shelf or in a drawer, as the colder temperature will help it stay fresh for longer. It is also recommended to wrap blue cheese in aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a loose zipper-lock bag to allow the cheese to breathe and slow down the growth of mould. With proper storage, blue cheese can last for 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator.
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Blue cheese is made using a type of mould called Penicillium
Penicillium roqueforti is a diverse species with a very active metabolism. It breaks down protein and fat, yielding the textures, aromas, and flavours that characterise blue cheese. The mould produces an enzyme that breaks down fat, resulting in ketones, which are responsible for the blue flavour of the cheese. The cheesemaking process, unique ageing environments, and oxygen levels can all influence the specific sub-species of P. roqueforti used and the characteristics of the final product.
During the ageing process, the temperature and humidity of the room are carefully monitored to ensure optimal flavour and texture development. The cheese loaves are punctured to create openings for air penetration, supporting the growth of the mould cultures and the formation of blue veins. The total ketone content is constantly monitored as the distinctive flavour and aroma of blue cheese arise from methyl ketones, metabolic products of Penicillium roqueforti.
Blue cheese can be stored in the refrigerator, where it typically lasts for three to four weeks. It can also be frozen to extend its shelf life, although freezing may alter its texture and appearance. Proper storage is essential, as blue cheese can spoil, leading to food poisoning. Signs of spoilage include fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface, and a strong ammonia-like smell.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator.
The colder the blue cheese, the longer it will stay fresh. The best way to store it is in the drawers at the bottom of the fridge, wrapped in aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a loose zipper-lock bag.
Yes, freezing blue cheese can extend its shelf life. Frozen blue cheese can last for up to six months, but it may alter its texture and appearance.
Blue cheese can go bad if it's not stored properly. Signs of spoilage include fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface, or a strong ammonia-like smell.
Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.
